Eat Like a Chef on $25 a Day for a Family of Four

With a little planning, a well-stocked pantry, and some time, you can feast for very little money

O
ne big puffed pancake with strawberries for breakfast feels festive without a lot of effort or investment.

Lunch is a cheap-and-easy potato soup with watercress, the ultimate spring green. Soak up the last of the richness with some toast.

For dinner, invest a little time in an easy lasagne made with asparagus and cheese, plus Canadian bacon for heft. A green salad is a good accompaniment; you can seed a regular cucumber rather than paying extra for the hothouse variety.